Do your wireless headphones need an upgrade? Maybe you’re back in the office and need some earbuds to block out the chatter. Or you’re taking your workouts up a notch and want new headphones to help you stay in the zone.
Apple’s popular AirPods are among PCMag’s top-rated true wireless earbuds, and they’re on sale ahead of Amazon’s second Prime Day on Oct. 11-12. If you’ve been unable to justify the expense of premium headphones, now’s your chance to level up your listening experience on the cheap.
AirPods Pro are currently $169.99(Opens in a new window), while the newer second-gen AirPods Pro are $10 off at $239(Opens in a new window). Apple’s second-gen AirPods, meanwhile, are now $89.99(Opens in a new window), or 43% off.
Not sure which AirPods to buy? Here’s a rundown of the differences between the second- and third-gen AirPods and the second-gen AirPods Pro, and our roundup of the best AirPods to buy based on your needs.
Apple AirPods Pro
2nd-gen AirPods Pro
(Credit: Tim Gideon)
The AirPods Pro are PCMag Editors’ Choice pick for their solid noise cancellation, quality audio performance, and a better in-ear fit over the standard AirPods. The newer, second-gen version that launched this fall, also an Editors’ Choice, deliver exceptional ANC and audio performance, making them the best noise-cancelling true wireless earphones for Apple device users.
Recommended by Our Editors
These earbuds seal off your ear canal instead of resting against it, allowing for rich bass depth and crisp high-mid presence. If you’re looking for an unobtrusive set of earbuds that pair well with Apple devices, you can’t do much better than Apple’s AirPods Pro.
Apple AirPods
2nd-gen Apple AirPods
(Credit: Tim Gideon/PCMag)
If $170 is still too pricey for a pair of headphones, Apple’s standard line of AirPods also get the job done. There’s no noise cancellation or water-resistance on the second-gen model, but for an Apple-friendly way to listen to your playlists or podcasts, there aren’t too many sub-$100 options. (The third-gen model, meanwhile, gets a more Pro-like makeover and adds water- and sweat-resistance, but is not currently discounted.)
Amazon Prime Early Access SaleYou can get great deals, but only if you know where to look and how to compare prices.
